A two dimensional combined discrete and finite element scheme for simulating the flow and compaction of systems comprising irregular particulates

The paper describes the development and application of a combined discrete finite element scheme to simulate the flow and compaction of irregular randomly packed particles to form a tabletted product. The techniques which have been adopted to achieve computational efficiency are described. These include contact detection, particle level deformation analysis and the presentation of results via a homogenisation strategy. The computing scheme in question is validated against published data and is shown to be capable of simulating the expected trends associated with the effects of particle shape, size and friction on the flow rate. The flow simulations also exhibit noticeable differences when compared with a geometric packing model. Over the relevant compaction regime, for which elastic behaviour is applicable, the present scheme also compares well with published work that uses a distinct element simulation approach and with experimental data. The advantage of the current scheme is the flexibility that it offers to capture a mixture of material properties and particle shape and that no restrictions are necessary on the contact models since these are integral in the calculation procedures. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.